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Boarding

So, Mike got a job in Delaware and soon we will be moving down there. This weekend Mike has a conference in DC so he already left and I am going to fly down there and meet him. Then we will drive to DE and look around and whatnot.

However, that left me with having to make a choice about what to do about Tini...and for the first time ever I am going to board her. I'll drop her off on Thursday afternoon and pick her up on Tuesday (they're closed on Monday). I hate leaving her!!! The people at the bird store love her and fawn over her whenever we go in to get her nails clipped, but in the back of my mind I am still worried about someone else taking care of her. Normally if I go away, my family takes care of her - but it just doesn't work out this time (they live three hours from me and I can't get her home).

Has anyone else boarded their bird? Just help reassure me please, if you can!! Thanks!

Re: Boarding

I boarded Boomer at his vets, it made me feel safer because then if he got sick his vet was there to take care of him. She put him in the office in the back where the vets sit to do there work and I knew he was being well looked after by all the vets there. But its dangerous, all them yucky things at vets office but it was worth the risk for me because he was my "tender" man who needed extra care.

If the bird store has someone there who will watch Tini and knows what to do if something happens to her then I would leave her there. Is she staying out front where customers can be near her or is it in the back room? I would worry if she were somewhere that customers were at because people can be so cruel to birds at stores. I know you will do the right thing and 'our' Tini will be just fine with being boarded, it is you who will worry about her the entire time like I always did with boomer.

Re: Boarding

Thanks Deanna

Yes, the bird store people know Tini and her history and everything. Whenever I go in to get her nails done, they act as proud of her as I am - letting everyone know how she overcome so much and blah blah blah They take their birds to the same vet I do, they all have birds, and they hand-fed babies too. The boarding area is restricted, and no one coming into the store is allowed in except the people who work there...however, it has like a half wall so that they can always see into the area (but none of the cages are close to it - i.e. no poking fingers can reach cages). They will also let her out and spend time with her if I want that.

I know what you're saying - I am already worrying about her and I haven't even left yet!!! I am making a list of instructions and phone numbers...I am crazy!

Re: Boarding

I have boarded Darwin at the vets too. They do a great job with him, but I still think he does a bit better staying at home with a bird sitter (but it is hard to find one you trust! Especially on short notice). The good news about the vets is that they are always there and can diagnose something if a problem arises.

You can ask to take a tour of their boarding facilities if it eases your mind (it did mine) and that way you can plan for what to take with her there.

Re: Boarding

I would board at a vet's office. YOur best bet would be to find a pet sitter through your local bird club.

You take a BIG risk boarding at a pet store. WAY too many "go see the birdies" groupies. THese people go from pet store to pet store. If one store has an illness they track it to every store they visit!

Last pet small owned pet store in Dallas was taking birds to board up until 2 days before the bank locked the front doors. Bank did not care that some of the birds/animals did not belong to the store. Owners had to buy their pets back at auction.

Re: Boarding

I think the bird store sounds fine for Tini. I have seen many stores up here have the birds they are boarding right out in the public areas and I just wanted to make sure Tini wouldnt be out in the public. If they know Tini and know her issues then she will be fine and may just be safer as far as bird diseases go because that was always on the back of my mind when boomer went to stay at his vets. Like Barb I just felt safer knowing he was with his vet but then he was sick, tini isnt sick like he was so she will be OK. I know you will tell them all about what Tini can and cant have in her cage and she will be perfectly safe with them because you will cover everything. Now you will just need to go and enjoy yourself knowing she will be fine with people who know her well and will take good care of her for you. Who couldnt... with a face like Tini's she will turn them all into mushy Tini lovers

Re: Boarding

Not exactly boarded
But i've had Lee look after Sammy (which reminds me actually i need to sweet talk him!)
First time i was giving Lee all these instructions while he stood there really sweetly not rolling his eyes at me lol And i must have texted him 20 times.

You'll set Tini's cage up, leave a list of emergency contact numbers and plenty of food- and she will be spoilt rotten- it sounds like they love little Tini as much as us lot. And you know you'd trust her to us if we were nearer. Plus she'll have loads of fun chattering to everybody

Make sure you tell your vet- so he knows they have her, and that if anything happens (which it wont) they should automatically do whatever she needs. That way you cant remember you havent forewarned them when you're on a plane and have a mini freak out aka me lol

And get them to take pics
Maybe you can even get them to join here so they can tell us about her holiday (and of course you'll be on here reading too lol)

Re: Boarding

Kerry - I know that there is some risk, but I wasn't sure what else to do. This is a very reputable bird-only store that I have had many dealings with in the past three years. At the heart of it all, I trust them. I also forgot to add that this bird place requires health certificates for all birds who are boarded.

And I just took Tini in for her annual check-up and to get a health certificate from the vet and I let her (the vet) know that Tini was going to be boarded at the bird store (where and when). BTW, she is ALL good - all her blood work checks out and she looks great - she is even down to a very svelte 56 grams

Barb - it's not the vet, it's a bird only store...but I think it's a good idea and I have seen their facilities - I was happy. Plus, I had the choice to provide her cage, which I will do - and I will set it up and get her settled and all.

And it's true Helen, I would trust one of you...that's part of what makes this hard for me. You know I am worrywart. I have left her under the care of my family - my mom, dad, and brother (in one house) and once my aunt and uncle watched her...but it just make me crazy not to have her with me. I know its crazy!

Deanna - Tini already has them wrapped around her foot! I can only imagine what's going to happen...my only concern is Tini trying to fly onto someone else's cage. I will likely let them give her small pieces of millet - that should keep her busy.

Thanks Cheaps

She does love to jabber on with people and birds alike. I hope it will be a good experience! You guys have given me some good ideas and things to remember - thank you...I will keep pondering to make sure I try to think of everything...

Re: Boarding

Give them lots of of the no nap towels you use for her cage and lots of millet and she will be fine there. She will have fun there and I feel even better knowing they make all boarded birds do a health check before going there. If the people from the bird store love her now just think how much more they are going to love her once they take care of her. She is such a little sweetheart, you know she has lots of our hearts here as well.

Wow, Tini is only 56 grams, that is really good for her. Does she look skinny now to you? wasnt she lots heavier like 63 grams before she got hurt? I bet she is loving her new skinny body.

Re: Boarding

Deanna, it's like your in my head I have already counted out the no-knap towels and will wash the one in her sleeping cage tomorrow to have one extra! I will buy the millet once I get to the store and ask them to cut it up for her too

At the last vet visit she was 69 grams!! BUT! she was with egg. She has been known to go as high as 63, yes, but she normally hangs out around 59. 56 is her low-end and I feel like she does look thin...but, I know this is a good weight for her. I wouldn't want her to go any lower than that really. She really is just a little amazon Xena

Re: Boarding

And her man from above loves his nice skinny Tini girl.

I think we all think alike when we have a fragile one at home and only the best things will do for them. I used to send boomer off with all his favorite foods, his "green recycled", good for the earth paper towels that for some reason didnt break up so he can eat paper towels and of course millet. I cut his millet up myself before sending him off. Everything must be perfect for our perfect birds while we are not there. I hated leaving him but I know he was perfectly fine without me just as your Tini will be.

Have fun and find a really good home and know she will be fine and having some fun. Its hard but do it

Re: Boarding

Bridget, I never boarded Beetle but I have boarded Pickle a few times. Overall it's been a good experience for him - he charms the pants off of most people. He's been boarded at two parrot shops (one of which I no longer patronize) and has never had a health issue resulting from his stay. I'm sure that Miss Tini will do just fine! Best of luck in relocating to DE

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. ~ Anatole France